Wolves defender Roger Johnson set for surprise West Ham move

Johnson was part of the Wolves side that suffered a shock relegation from the Championship last season. [GETTY]

The 30-year-old has been drafted in by Hammers boss Sam Allardyce to ease the club's defensive crisis, with first-choice central defenders James Collins, Winston Reid and James Tomkins all on the sidelines.

Former Birmingham man Johnson has been frozen out at Wolves by manager Kenny Jackett, spending the majority of the season on-loan at lowly Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

He is set to be named in the squad for West Ham's Carling Cup semi-final first-leg tie at Manchester City on Wednesday, as Allardyce's men look to restore some pride following their humiliating 5-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.

Everton's Johnny Heitinga had been earmarked to aid the club's leaky defence, but last week rejected the chance to move to Upton Park.